Flowers After 5
Relax on Thursday evenings mid-May through October at Flowers After 5, our live music series featuring a diverse mix of local and regional acts held in the Grace Arents Garden, adjacent to historic Bloemendaal House. See the lineup below.
Performances run from 5-8p.m. with a brief intermission.
2024 Performance Dates:
- May 16, 23*, (no Flowers After 5 concert May 30**)
- June 6, 13*, 20, 27*
- July (no concert July 4***), 11*, 18, 25*
- August 1, 8* – cancelled due to predicted severe weather, 15, (no concert Aug. 22**), 29
- September 5, 12*, (no concert Sept. 19****), 26*
- October 3, 10*, 17, 24*
*The second and fourth Thursday nights are also Fidos After 5 evenings when the Garden partners with the Richmond SPCA and leashed dogs are allowed. Fidos Nights for 2024 are May 23; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8; September 12 & 26; October 10 & 24.
**There is no Flowers After 5 on May 30 and Aug. 22 due to Groovin’ in the Garden.
***There is no Flowers After 5 on July 4 due to Free Fourth of July.
****There is no Flowers After 5 on Sept. 19 due to the Fall Plant Sale.
Outside food and drink are not allowed to be brought into the Garden. See food and bar menu below.
Admission & Weather Policy
Admission to this event is regular Garden admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Guest Services desk in the Robins Visitors Center.
Members enjoy free admission; not a member? Consider joining.
Garden hours are extended until 9p.m. on Flowers After 5 nights, so be sure to take time to explore the Garden and check out our artist-in-residence Kyle Epps’ exhibit in the Community Art Gallery. The Garden Shop may also offer extended hours.
Flowers After 5 is rain or shine. The Garden Staff monitors the weather closely and if there is a high likelihood of hazardous weather during Flowers After 5, the event will be cancelled. We post weather-related updates as quickly as possible to the website and social media, and it’s always a good idea to check before you come.
2024 FLOWERS AFTER 5 LINEUP!
August 15 – Josh Lief Band
Singer-songwriter, guitar player based in Richmond, VA. His style is a mixture of the all the music he loved as a young musician. His influences started with his big three of Hendrix, Clapton, and Page. He also learned a lot of country blues style lead guitar from being a huge fan of the Allman Brothers and ZZ Top.
August 29 – Abrams Bridge
A band of brothers performing all of The Boss’s biggest hits, live staples and deep cuts! A tribute to the one and only Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band!
September 5 – The Jangling Reinharts
Providing roots-rock music largely forgotten by other bands. Think: The Band meets Van Morrison and they go out to Stephen Stills’ house and listen to the Monkees while watching a Barenaked Ladies video. This melting pot of music describes what they are all about. This four-piece mixes popular cover songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s (along with the occasional TV theme song…just to see who’s listening). Beautiful vocal harmonies, superb finger-style on the lead guitar, and a knack for playing the right song at the right time set this band apart from the rest.
September 12 – The Dan Schutt Band
Hailing from Richmond, VA, The Dan Schutt Band is a funky blues-rock band that always gets the crowd dancing and the party started. The band performs a catalogue of high-energy and recognizable tunes, influenced by rock, blues, country, jazz, and reggae.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
September 26 – Main Street Station
A fun, high energy band that entertains with the best in New Country, Classic Country, Classic Rock, and Southern Rock. The driving force behind the sound is “Barefoot Joe” McMinn and powerhouse female vocalist Lori Sclater. Their amazing harmonies and powerful lead vocals are enhanced by guitarist/vocalist Mike Sisler and guitarist Jeff Doyle. The rhythm section of Matt Bottone on bass and Mike Scott on drums provide the foundation of the band’s rock solid groove. Influences include Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Blackberry Smoke, Guns-N-Roses, and AC/DC among many others.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
October 2 – PumpHouse Blues Band
(This show has been rescheduled from July 18 due to inclement weather)
They create an irresistible brand of the blues! When it comes to the art of making the Blues truly Rock, the powerfully soulful sound of PumpHouse has been proudly leading by example for the past ten years. Based out of Richmond, VA, this stunning seven-piece ensemble of legendary talent has been thrilling audiences all across the nation with their remarkable live shows in intimate club performances, to being featured in major music festivals, and every spot with enough space to house their band onstage in between. From the uniquely compelling vibes of their adventurous and ambitious instrumentation, to the insatiable hooks in their songwriting, this band can be counted on to deliver its smooth-flowing brand of cool musical sustenance.
October 3 – Dance Candy
Hip hop and pop, jazz and funk and straight-up R&B all creating a big, funky scene of party-down. Slide into a seat at a Dance Candy party and you’ll know there’s something a little different happening tonight. It certainly feels like a Pharrell meets Justin Timberlake kind of night with a vintage cocktail of chilled-out Marvin Gaye. Mix in the soul of Aretha and Bob Marley, the modern style of Cee-Lo and Bruno Mars, and chase it down with a nightcap of Stevie Wonder.
October 10 – Whiskey Rebellion
Drawing on their diverse musical backgrounds, The Whiskey Rebellion mix the spontaneity of bluegrass, the collectiveness of jazz, and the urgency of rock and roll to create their own unique take on everything from traditional bluegrass to anthemic party favorites. The band covers a wide array of artists ranging from The Beatles to The Talking Heads to Guns ‘n’ Roses, but their approach is always steeped in their acoustic roots and uniquely lends itself to being both listenable and danceable.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
October 17 – Palmyra
They explore the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, lush harmony, and earnest songwriting. The trio, based in Richmond, captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives: Teddy Chipouras, Mānoa Bell, and Sasha Landon. Often described as a distant cousin to The Avett Brothers and The Wood Brothers, Palmyra nods toward Appalachian and Midwestern Americana, with intricate arrangements that create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble.
The breakout folk trio has worked diligently to cement themselves as an unmistakable force in the Americana music landscape at large. Their forward momentum is propelled by their craftsmanship and dedication to an intimate performance experience; at the heart of the Palmyra is the evident love and regard that the three musicians share for each other and their craft.
October 24 – The Atkinsons
This group first set foot on Richmond, VA stages well over a decade ago. The Atkinsons meld roots, country, and rock music into their own style of rambling swing rock & roll. Heartfelt story-telling is at the core of The Atkinsons, and it is complemented with three-part harmonies layered over mandolin, fiddle, drums, bass and electric guitars. The band’s influences run the gamut from country, mountain, bluegrass, to straight up rock & roll music, and the sound ends up being quite a musical stew.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
Past Flowers After 5 events (2024)
May 16 – The Judy Chops
This group has been wowing audiences for over a decade with their deft musicianship and high-energy live shows. This seven-piece band comprised of family and friends has evolved from a Shenandoah Valley favorite into one of the hottest acts in the Virginia music scene. Their unique take on Americana is a fusion of modern and vintage musical styles, blending elements of swing, blues, rock, and soul for a sonic experience Huffington Post calls 'genre-defying!'
May 23 (cancelled due to severe weather warnings) – Kozy Cats
The convergence of friends who got the band back together – with stellar results. The musical pedigrees for this group of locals are too long and wide to list, but include appearances on Soul Train, piano-playing with Chubby Checker, and week-long stands at the legendary Peppermint Beach Club. Currently this group is delighting audiences with danceable covers of Wilson Pickett, Herman’s Hermits, David Bowie, and a couple dozen more soul & pop artists. This performance will feature the mighty Kozy Cats Horns, ensuring a rollicking good time for everyone.
Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
June 6 (cancelled due to severe weather warnings) – WKNDR
Using classical flute with iconic guitar riffs, modern folk rock, and a penchant for all rhythms syncopated, WKNDR’s “alternafolkrock” sound has something with everyone. Favorite artists to cover include Fleetwood Mac, The Head and The Heart, and Wilco, and their original music celebrates the good things in life.
June 13 – PRIDOS Night
In partnership with Virginia Pride featuring cocktails and performances by Richmond drag superstars, plus a dance party with music from DJ Barebonez! As night falls, be sure to enjoy the Conservatory as it is illuminated in pride colors for the month of June.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
June 20 – The Orbital Blues Band
Comprised of players from Richmond’s Orbital Music Park, come together to bring Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden a fantastic night of Blues! With vocalist Therochelle Moore, Kevin Kuzas & Dave Clemans on guitar, Dave Nardo on bass, and Mary Elfner on the drums, this group explores a wide range of blues-inspired genres to put together a compelling & diverse set of music for their audiences. Influences include traditional blues artists like Muddy Waters & Freddie King to modern interpretations like Gary Clark Jr. and Led Zeppelin
June 27 – Dan & The Fam
A psychedelic groove rock band that has gained an explosive following from their unforgettable live performances showcasing a melodic odyssey of sonic exploration. Starting out as an idea for an improvisational songwriting project, Danny “Jams” DeMarais formed The Fam in 2021 and has been curating a signature sound of twangy swamp rock guitar riffs with hints of knee-buckling space funk ever since.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
July 11 – Tara Mills Band
An original blend of folk, bluegrass, and Americana based out of Charlottesville, VA. Writing and singing most of her life, it wasn’t long before Tara picked up a guitar and taught herself how to express the melodies in her head through her songs a hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Influenced by bluegrass, old country, and traditional mountain folk, she creates an original sound that captures true human feeling and emotion.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
July 25 – Florencia & The Feeling
A high-energy pop/funk fusion band from Johnson City, TN. Since its conception in April 2021, the five-piece has been impressing listeners with its upbeat funky grooves, heartfelt songwriting, and all-around good vibes, loading its music with four-part harmonies, hints of jazz, and Latin roots.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
August 1 – Jackass Flats
This ultra-talented Virginia quintet comes from a long-standing bluegrass tradition but creates a wholly original sound by weaving their melting pot of acoustic roots music with the sounds of electric rock’n’roll. Jackass Flats combines a unique blend of jam band rhythms with twangy versions of contemporary hits that can elevate any event into a unique, rousing experience. Expect a repertoire that runs the gamut from Johnny Cash to The Beatles, Willie Nelson to Prince, Smokey Robinson to The Rolling Stones, all delivered with warm southern charm and infectious energy.
August 8 (Cancelled due to predicted severe weather) – Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five
Central Virginia’s hottest classic country band! Cranking all the best 90’s country from Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, and George Strait - they also play your favorite old-school hits from Cash, Jones and Waylon - as well as today’s hottest songs from Combs, Pardi, and Swindell. Formed in Richmond, VA in 2022, Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five recruited the area’s best players to create the most exciting, danceable country show in the region.
*Fidos After 5 Night (leashed dogs allowed)
FIDOS AFTER 5
The Garden partners with the Richmond SPCA on these special nights (only): May 23; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8 (cancelled due to predicted severe weather); September 12 & 26; October 10 & 24. when leashed dogs are allowed. Suggested $2 “pet admission” benefits Richmond SPCA.
All dogs must be leashed (no retractable leashes) and current on rabies vaccinations. Please Note: We welcome dogs in the Robins Visitor Center and Conservatory, but ask that they not enter the Kelly Education Center building. Please read our rules and guidelines for visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with dogs.
Leashed dogs are allowed on Fidos nights only.
Before you come with your dog
Before attending Fidos after Five with your dog, it’s important to understand what your dog tolerates and will enjoy. Ask yourself:
- How does my dog handle being in a new environment?
- How does my dog react to close proximity to unfamiliar people and dogs of various sizes?
– All dogs must have a current rabies vaccine.
– Retractable leashes are not permitted. Flat leashes will be available to borrow from the Richmond SPCA’s table in the Robins Visitor Center.
While you are here with your dog
- An adult must maintain control of the dog’s leash at all times.
- Please ask before approaching or allowing your dog to approach an unfamiliar dog.
- All dogs must be well-behaved; the Garden reserves the right to determine whether an owner and pet may be asked to leave, based on guest safety.
Please Note: We welcome dogs in the Robins Visitors Center and Conservatory, but ask that they not enter the Kelly Education Center building.
Leashed dogs are allowed on Fidos nights only. Ticketed event; $2 suggested “pet admission” benefiting the Richmond SPCA
Food & Drink
Guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawn, and there are a limited number of chairs and tables available on a first-come, first served basis.
PLEASE NOTE: Outside food and drink are not allowed to be brought into the Garden.
Food and drinks are available for purchase from 5-8p.m. at the concert site, under Bloemendaal House tent. Alcohol sales end at 7:45p.m.